Rocky Elsom axed from Wallabies

Rocky Elsom is a phenomenal player that unfortunately damaged his hamstrings before returning to Australia. Since then he has been injured on and off so, not surprisingly, his form has been inconsistent. He was well spoken of in Dublin by anyone who knew him and no one ever questioned his commitment or his team spirit. Quite the opposite. Australia is blessed to have had a player of such high quality and dedication. If his worst offenses as a rugby player were to want to warm up on his own or being injured frequently then all I can say is you Australians are outrageously hard on your players. This is also from a Munster fan who should hate him for what he did to our side. But he was excellent. Undeniably, absolutely excellent in that semi final and for that whole season.

Haha good one sprigs

The myth about palu being lazy is just that... It's a common one that has the stench of the rotting carcass of colonialism, seeing as it's. Almost always directed at islanders ..

God Phil wàugh was so great in those days As a small man, it was a joy to see him play. Ferocious

Not an impressive person??? Turn it up. Do you know the man? You are entitled to offer your opinion about Horwill or others as rugby players, but saying " he is not an impressive person" is unacceptable. I would NOT say that Blue blood is "not an impressive person", simply because he writes nonsense. Do you have some specific facts about Horwill, or acts that you want to share?

I have always loved watching Rocky play, and he was my favourite player between 2007-2010. I was even lucky enough to meet him at a fan function and I found him to be very friendly and easy going. The question I would like to pose is, why did he seem to fit in so well with the Leinster team & coach, yet he is viewed as an arrogant and selfish player in the context of the S15 and Wallabies teams?

Rocky, Rocky, Rocky Enjoy

Actually my figures broken down compared Palu and Mowen AND I also listed Dennis stats as well for the Tahs - Brumbies game. Those stats showed that Palu has BOTH the highest workrate AND the most effective for that match. By effective in attack he made the most metres, made the most runs, made the most runs per metre. In defence he made the same amount of tackles BUT missed less tackles. Palu also had the least penalties and least errors. That was against BOTH mowen and Dennis. Then fairly enough it was pointed out that it was just the stats for 1 game. So I got the stats out for all of Palus 60+ min games , which were his recent ones, and it showed that his work rate is consistently high, and his error rate is consistently low, but he has only made that many metres in attack twice, so his attack has not been as consistent., even though the number of runs has been.

Hats off to you & Pot Hale for your words of support for Rocky. ;)

Justie, I am an Elsom supporter. I hope he can re-prove the old adage, "Never bet against a champion." Still, I can't comprehend why a captain would warm up on his own. As an individual player he is entitled to do that but it raises questions about his coaches. Talented individuals can break some rules because they bring so much; but they can only break the rules as long as they are delivering on the field. I hope the Rocky re-finds his old form. Either way, I wish he was better liked -- for his sake. Personally, I always think of Rocky Elsom as a great modern player, someone capable of matching the likes of Ritchie McCaw or Schalk Burger. While I am a fan of the Brumbies captain Ben Mowen, I wonder if he can do that.

I don't mind Chris Alcock as a player, he has been one of the best in a dreadful team. But in terms of Wallabies, surely he is a long way down the pecking order. And with Hooper going to the tahs (I am still mystified as to why he left), he could be facing a bit more time on the bench, depending on how they play their backrow, particularly Dennis.

Hehe nice Brett. Indeed tough to see him making any Wallabies Of All Time lists...

I think Nic White might be starting to push for higher honours if Genia slacks off...

Nice words Pothale. Yes Rocky deserves better than churlish insults if the door is closing behind him. He was at least a tough servant of Australian rugby. I was disappointed that he left to play in Ireland and relieved when he returned. But like Jim Williams, and Brett Robinson. the day comes when the team bus needs to leave a player behind. He wasn't perfect but I for one am grateful that he was there and have some memories of some great games. All the best Rocky.

I agree that Deans needs to acknowledge that Pocock is human and his body needs to be better managed. To date Deans has flogged him until he is performing desperately held together with tape. I fear that Deans has little interest in ensuring Pocock has the long career he deserves. Hodgson has had another blinder and he is my pick for player of the year again this year (that would be 3 in 4 years). Another man of the match last weekend with Deans in the stands. However I had every expectation that Deans will never acknowledge or utilise Hodgson for all he offers. He will undoubtedly stick with his favourites despite their lack of form or fitness as he always does. At the Force this will include McCalman and Maafu. Despite McCalman spending more time in a suit or on the bench than on the pitch all year. And Maafu who has been the worst bit of recruitment this year, both unfit and lazy. Deans won't surprise me, of this I am now certain. Deans I don't know why you come to Perth, you can surely just Skype Pocock daily and then save the rest of the side the distraction of your disappointing presence.

Dude, agree 100%... playing a full strength side against the Scots instead of resting a few blokes is maddness, most of last years test side were from QLD anyway... so its not like we wont have a decent side on the park... this decision guarantees we will struggle against the dragons who will be nice and fresh... blokes need a break at some point.. cant have them playing 3 tests so quickly, and then its onto the tri nations.. heaven help us.

I share your fears regarding Horwill. I think perhapboot has gone to his head and I am also not happy with his general attitude during games. I've commented on multiple pages about his thuggery against other Wallabies. Not an impressive person in my books. I'm happy for him to change my mind but it will take a lot.

You can take a donkey to water... but he won't always drink.

Add Hugh Pyle and Luke Jones and next year Caderyn Neville the lock stocks are probably the only part of the ground where we have huge amounts of depth. Caderyn Neville, while he has huge amounts of popularity and support should spend one more super rugby season at Rebels I think and then if he keeps going the way he is there will be no question over his ability. Can seriously see him becoming a brilliant test player in the future. If he was selected right now (can't see it happening) I think it would be an interesting experiment but right now at this point in time I don't think he is the best man for the job. Horwill apart from the captaincy should given his Wallabies performance the second forward selected after Pocock.

I couldn't see Pocock playing anywhere but 7. He just doesn't have the skill set or bulk to play 6, and his height would leave the Wallabies vulnerable in the lineout.